Consultant/Senior Ecologist

Job description

About

Your new company

An established, entirely independent environmental and ecological consultancy is entering an exciting period of growth, with a strong pipeline of varied projects and an ambitious vision for the future.

With a supportive team, the business offers an opportunity to join an organisation where individuals have a real say in its direction and development. The company has built an excellent reputation working with a diverse client base, including major infrastructure contractors, developers, local authorities and private landowners.

The ecology team is continuing to expand, creating opportunities for an experienced Ecologist to make an impact, take ownership of projects and progress their career. You'll be joining a varied team with a wealth of experience across different ecological disciplines, where knowledge sharing, professional development and collaboration are actively encouraged.

Your new role

This is an excellent opportunity for a Consultant or Senior Ecologist to join an expanding ecology team, taking responsibility for delivering a diverse portfolio of ecological projects across Hampshire, Berkshire and Sussex, with occasional work further afield.

You'll be involved throughout the project lifecycle, from initial surveys and assessments through to planning, consenting, project management and implementation/post-construction. Projects range from residential and commercial developments to significant infrastructure schemes, including highways and rail.

Your responsibilities will include:

* Leading and undertaking a range of protected species surveys and ecological assessments.

* Managing projects from initial instruction through to completion, ensuring delivery against agreed budgets and timescales.

* Preparing and reviewing technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and other supporting documentation.

* Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and strategies.

* Providing ecological input into planning applications, environmental assessments and consenting processes.

* Liaising directly with clients, contractors, local authorities and other project stakeholders.

* Supporting and mentoring junior members of the ecology team, helping to develop their technical capabilities.

* Contributing to a varied workload across protected species, habitat assessments, ecological clerk of works and mitigation projects.

There is scope to develop and specialise in particular areas of ecology, with opportunities to build on existing expertise. Experience in ornithology would be particularly welcome, alongside established specialisms in any technical area.

What you'll need to succeed

* A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.

* Demonstrable consultancy experience within an ecological role.

* Experience undertaking protected species surveys, ecological assessments and producing technical reports.

* A good understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological best practice.

* Experience managing projects and working directly with clients and stakeholders.

* The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver projects to deadlines.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to represent the business professionally.

* A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites.

Desirable but not essential:

* Protected species licences

* FISC & RCA certifications

What you'll get in return

* Competitive salaries: Consultant Ecologist: £32,000 - £38,500 / Senior Ecologist: £38,000 - £45,000.

* Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, tailored to individual circumstances.

* 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional wellbeing day.

* Company pool vehicles and fuel cards available for business travel.

* Accommodation and company credit cards provided where overnight travel is rarely required.

* Professional memberships, relevant training and survey licences paid for and supported.

* Time off in lieu (TOIL), managed on a flexible, trust-based basis.

* NEST workplace pension

* Employee Assistance Programme.

* Regular team days and quarterly business meetings, giving everyone the opportunity to contribute ideas and influence the company's future direction.* Varied projects ranging in size and type - offering an exciting mix of work to deliver.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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